Actor visa
All information about work permits and residency for actors in Germany.
Here you learn ...
what an actor visa is and when it is necessary
what types of actor visas there are
when long-term and short-term actor visas are granted
what applies to self-employed actors and freelancers
Table of Content
1. Work permit and residence for actors
2. Short-term actor visa (Schengen visa for actors)
3. Long-term actor visa (D visa)
3.1 Requirements for a long-term showman visa
3.2 Priority check for actor visa
4. Self-employed actors
4.1 Differentiation between self-employed and employed actors
4.2 Freelancer visa for actors
5. Conclusion Actor Visa
1. Work permit and residence for actors
Anyone wishing to work as an actor or performing artist in Germany often requires a special visa – the so-called actor's visa . It's important to distinguish between a short-term visa and a long-term visa, as both have different legal bases and requirements. The short-term actor's visa is primarily aimed at artists who wish to enter Germany for temporary engagements such as daytime performances, festivals, or cultural events (see Section 22 Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) ).
The long-term actor visa, on the other hand, is based on Section 25 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) and is intended for artists who want to work in Germany permanently or for an extended period of time – for example, for a permanent engagement in a theater, film, or television production. Whether short-term or long-term – choosing the right visa is crucial for a smooth working stay in Germany. Below, we explain which requirements must be met and how the application process works.
2. Short-term actor visa (Schengen visa for actors)
If you come from abroad and work in the arts, the regulations of Section 22 Nos. 1–3 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) offer attractive opportunities for temporary assignments in Germany. Performances of exceptional artistic value enable talented artists to present their art directly to a German audience (Section 22 No. 1 BeschV). Foreign guest groups such as circus ensembles, ice revues, or dance shows can also perform in Germany for up to 90 days within a twelve-month period (Section 22 No. 2 BeschV) – including technical support staff such as electricians, prop masters, or animal caretakers.
Similar regulations also apply to foreign film and television productions : In addition to the artists, non-artistic team members, such as cameramen, sound technicians, or production assistants, are also permitted to enter and work – without requiring approval from the Federal Employment Agency. However, when applying, it is important to always emphasize the artistic and theatrical value of the performances . Otherwise, the embassy will not issue the actor visa.
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3. Long-term actor visa (D visa)
3.1 Requirements for a long-term showman visa
Anyone wishing to work long-term in Germany as an actor, artist, or performer can, under certain conditions, apply for a special long-term visa ( Section 25 of the Employment Regulations ). A long-term visa can be issued if an artistic activity is carried out in Germany or if the applicant is employed in Germany for more than 90 days as part of guest performances or international film and television productions.
For long-term acting visas pursuant to Section 25 of the Employment Ordinance, the authorities will specifically examine whether the activity is actually acting . This is particularly the case in the following scenarios:
The activity must be of an artistic nature. This includes performances in theaters, operas, cultural centers, and circus engagements.
An overall assessment determines whether an activity is artistic. Important criteria include the location and nature of the activity.
Artistic qualifications must be documented by a CV, references or proof of engagement.
Activities in nightclubs, especially in the area of table dancing or striptease, are generally not considered to be artistic performances.
3.2 Theatre acting and priority examination
In public theaters, actors and other artists are generally scheduled for the long term. Decisions about ensemble members are usually made six months before the start of the season. By this time, approval from the Federal Employment Agency must also be obtained. This involves a priority check to determine whether preferential workers from Germany or the EU are available. Since activities in the artistic field, such as acting or acrobatics, are often tied to fixed dates, the priority check can be accelerated or simplified under certain conditions. The Federal Employment Agency's artist placement service can determine in advance that there is insufficient domestic applicant pool for certain roles or activities. This assessment is documented in a regularly updated list.
4. Self-employed actors
4.1 Differentiation between self-employed and employed actors
The above regulations generally only apply to employed actors within the meaning of Section 7 of the Social Code (SGB IV) , i.e. to non-self-employed work. However, actors' contracts often also contain elements of self-employment. Whether the employment is dependent or self-employed depends on the overall picture of the work performance and which characteristics predominate. Working according to instructions and integration into the work organization of the person giving the instructions are characteristics of dependent employment. If an employee takes on additional tasks for their employer that are not part of the ancillary duties of their main job, it must be examined according to the general demarcation criteria whether this is self-employment or dependent secondary employment.
4.2 Freelancer visa for actors
In many cases, employed actors work part-time as freelancers . For actors and performing artists who want to work freelance in Germany, the freelancer visa (also known as a visa for freelance work) offers an attractive option. This visa is aimed at self-employed artists who carry out their work independently and under their own responsibility. Actors can apply for a freelancer visa either through full-time self-employment or in combination with employment . In many cases, part-time employment makes it much easier to obtain a visa because it signals financial security. They can then apply for an employment residence permit and, within this employment, a freelancer permit ( Section 21 (6) of the Residence Act ).
Summary of this Page
For actors and performing artists who wish to work in Germany, the right acting visa is crucial. Whether a short-term Schengen visa for temporary performances or a long-term D visa for permanent engagements – choosing the right visa type depends on the planned period of employment and the type of artistic activity. Anyone wishing to work as an artist in Germany long-term must, in addition to meeting the legal requirements, provide evidence of their artistic qualifications and planned activities. For theater engagements, a priority check by the Federal Employment Agency may also be required. Special rules apply to self-employed actors and freelancers, who can begin their work with a special freelancer visa (Section 21 of the Residence Act). It is important to clearly distinguish between self-employment and dependent employment.
